Posted on May 23, 2012
08:59:10 PM [ BusinessWorld Online ]
The Gokongwei-led
developer announced in a statement it was beefing up its portfolio in southern
Philippines through Robinsons Place Butuan and GoHotels.ph Butuan, both of
which are expected to open in the third quarter of 2013.
Upon completion, the two
developments will have a total combined gross floor area of 45,300 square
meters, Robinsons Land said.
Butuan’s
business-friendly environment was seen as a main factor in the company’s
decision to build its fourth Mindanao mall there.
“Butuan is a progressive
city that is increasingly becoming the commercial and business hub of
northeastern Mindanao. We are glad to be part of its development through this
project that will surely generate thousands of employment and attract even more
investments into the city,” said Arlene G. Magtibay, commercial centers
division general manager.
The mall will rise on a
property along J. C. Aquino Ave. in Barangay Bayanihan and will feature shops,
restaurants, and four cinemas, including Agusan del Norte province’s first 3-D
(three-dimensional) film theater.
Main mall anchors will
include Robinsons Supermarket, Robinsons Department Store, Handyman, Robinsons
Appliances, and Robinsons Bank.
Robinsons Land is aiming
to open two more malls this year: Robinsons Place Palawan and Robinsons Place
Magnolia, following the opening of Robinsons Place Calasiao in Pangasinan last
March.
Meanwhile, a 100-room
GoHotels.ph branch will also be built near Robinsons Place Butuan to serve the
city’s local tourist market.
“GoHotels.ph Butuan will
cater to both business and leisure travelers,” said Elizabeth D. Gregorio,
GoHotels.ph general manager.
Earlier this year,
Robinsons Land further expanded its budget hotel network to the provinces by
opening GoHotels.ph hotels in Puerto Princesa, Tacloban, and Dumaguete cities,
adding to the 223-room flagship GoHotels.ph Cybergate Plaza in Mandaluyong. --
Franz Jonathan G. de la Fuente
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